In 1978, JJ McCormack, felt there was a need for a stage race for juniors. Anyone who knew JJ, if he got an idea he would do it. Along with his club, the Eagle CRC and other volunteers, pulled a six day event together, with four evening stages and day stages on Saturday and Sunday.
This edition was called the ‘Print Services Junior Tour’ and was sponsored by Tommy McMenman and finished up with the final stage in Tullamore. The race has been a huge success, with many winners going on to the top of the international stage.
The Race was won by Martin Earley on the I.C.F. Team, he went on to be a professional cyclist for many seasons. He had numerous successes including a stage win in the Tour de France and 7th in the professional Road Race World Championships.
Hopefully this collection of pictures will bring back memories for the competitors who took part. The quality is a bit hit and miss as I was on the race with my club team and JJ asked me to take some pictures of the race for him.
This video was updated with additional pictures on 18/11/2925
Race Officials
J.J. McCormack,
John Lackey,
Paddy Sullivan,
Tommy McMenman,
Donal O’Connell.
Willie Marks,
Con Enright,
John Flanagan,
Willie Devine,
Ben McKenna,
Terry Davis,
Billy Maguire,
Liam King
and many more officials & volunteers, who unfortunately I can’t remember
Music: Dire Straights – ‘Sultans of Swing’
Photos & Video Compilation: Peter Purfield
More archive pictures and video on https://www.IrishCycling.com
1 Comment
I finished in the bunch that year on just 2 stages, 1st stage and final ( Tullamore? Mullingar? ) stage. Mike Kelly, Isle of Man was very unfortunate when in Yellow Jersey on final stage, he had at least 3 punctures.